Defensive end Tim Fugger became the second Vanderbilt defensive player taken in the NFL Draft when he was selected in the seventh round by Indianapolis on Saturday.
Fugger, a product of Oak Brook, Illinois near Chicago, put together his best season as a senior, setting numerous single-season highs to spark the Commodores to a postseason appearance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
As a senior, Fugger posted eight quarterback sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss among 33 total tackles. Fugger also forced three fumbles, pushing his career total to eight forced fumbles.
Fugger becomes the second Commodore selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. Defensive teammate cornerback Casey Hayward was taken by Green Bay (2nd round).
This marks the first time in two years that multiple Commodores heard their name called in the player draft. In 2010, defensive back Myron Lewis and offensive lineman Thomas Welch were selected. The most Vanderbilt prospects selected since the NFL Draft was shortened to seven rounds came in 2001 when linebackers Jamie Winborn and Matt Stewart, placekicker John Markham and defensive back Jimmy Williams were taken.
Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin praised Fugger's combination of athleticism and intensity.
"Tim Fugger is going to give a coaching staff everything he has," Franklin said. "Coaches love players like Tim Fugger, guys that just go extremely hard every play. Tim is extremely athletic and possesses a great combination of speed, quickness and strength."
Fugger's athleticism on display at Vanderbilt's Pro Day in early April impressed many scouts. Several NFL evaluators thought enough of his versatility to ponder Fugger as a linebacker in 3-4 schemes.
Southeastern Conference coaches also were impressed by Fugger's performance as a senior, naming him as a Coaches' second team All-SEC defensive lineman.
Fugger started 31 games at defensive end for the Commodores, including the last 16 games of his career. In addition to forcing eight turnovers, Fugger concluded his Vanderbilt career with 12 quarterback sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Here's a list of Vanderbilt players selected in NFL Draft since 2000:
Fugger becomes the second Commodore selected in the 2012 NFL Draft. Defensive teammate cornerback 
